Mer et Désert

Upon your arrival at Djerba-Zarzis airport, you will be warmly welcomed for this Saharan adventure, promising rich emotions and moments of silence. Depending on your flight time, two options are available: Either a stay on the island of Djerba, in a comfortable half-board hotel, allowing a gentle transition between sea and desert. Or an immediate 4x4 transfer through the changing landscapes of southern Tunisia, heading towards Douz, the legendary “gateway to the desert,” where the asphalt gives way to endless sands. Upon arrival in Douz, you will settle into your hotel on a half-board basis, in an authentic Saharan atmosphere. The town, peaceful and lined with palm trees, offers a preview of the nomadic world you are about to explore on foot. The night is perfect for rest… tomorrow, the desert awaits you.

Early in the morning, you leave Djerba, still caressed by the sea breeze, and slowly head towards the red lands of the south. Crossing the sea arm via the Roman causeway is a timeless interlude: fishing boats, golden reflections on calm waters… the mainland awaits you. On the way, a stop in Matmata immerses you in another world: the troglodyte houses carved into the ochre rock, a heritage of the ancient Berbers. A coffee savored in the heart of this lunar landscape warms both the soul and the gaze. Then comes Douz, at the edge of the desert, a city of sand and legend. A former caravan stop, it still echoes with the steps of camels and the warm wind from the dunes. Here, you meet your Saharan guide and his camel team: desert men, smiling, discreet, deeply connected to this sea of sand. The first lunch shared with them seals the beginning of your nomadic adventure. In the afternoon, the camel ride begins. Gradually, landmarks disappear, the sand takes over, and the horizon widens. The slow rhythm of the camels carries you far from everything. The first bivouac is set in the hollow of a dune, under golden light. Tea is prepared, rugs are laid out, and the silence of the desert begins to speak…

This entire day is an invitation to immerse yourself in the deep calm of the desert. Here, time stretches out, and the hustle of the modern world fades away, replaced by the gentle melody of the wind over the sand and the steady steps of the dromedaries. Your Saharan guide, a true guardian of the desert’s secrets, leads you to discover the unsuspected life thriving in this arid environment: resilient plants, subtle traces of animals, hidden oases. The gourmet breaks, organized around a wood fire, become privileged moments. The hot desert herbal tea blends with the nomads’ stories, their ancestral traditions, and their tales woven with simplicity and wisdom. When night falls, magic sets in. The sky, with absolute purity, lights up with a myriad of stars, revealing a dazzling celestial vault, like a vast jewel of light. You will spend your second night under this Saharan firmament, lulled by the silence and softness of the dunes.

After three days suspended in time, the caravan resumes its journey towards the lush palm groves of Douz. The sand reddens under the setting sun, and the silhouettes of the dromedaries form a slow dance to the peaceful rhythm of the desert. Upon arrival, a mixture of emotions awaits you: the nostalgia of leaving your camel companions, true guardians of the Sahara, and the pride of having shared their secret world, made of simplicity and harmony with nature. The 4x4 transfer then takes you to a haven of comfort, a 4-star hotel where the welcome is as warm as Saharan hospitality. Half-board accommodation offers a gentle contrast after the harshness of the bivouac: hot showers, soft beds, and delicious meals to regain your strength. The evening ends gently as Douz falls asleep under a starry sky, cradle of a thousand desert stories.

Upon waking, you leave Douz to return to the island's gentle atmosphere of Djerba. The road winds through the contrasting landscapes of southern Tunisia, between palm groves and rocky plains. The first stop is the Berber village of Tamezret, perched on a hillside. This authentic place, frozen in time, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the red earth stretching towards the horizon below. Then, head towards Matmata, famous for its troglodyte houses carved into the rock. A guided tour immerses you in this unique architecture, the cradle of an ancestral culture. Lunch on site blends local flavors with a convivial atmosphere. The journey continues to Toujane, a Berber village with steep alleys, guardian of traditions and millennial stories. Finally, you take the mythical Roman causeway that connects the mainland to the island of Djerba, a true link between two worlds. Arrival on the island is at sunset. You settle into a 3-star hotel, where you enjoy a warm welcome and a half-board meal to conclude this day rich in discoveries.

After the intensity of the desert, it’s time to embrace the softness and serenity of the island of Djerba. For two days, you will be gently carried by the soothing rhythm of this Mediterranean paradise, where the sun caresses the fine sandy beaches and the sea breeze fills your lungs. Settled in a comfortable seaside hotel with full board, you will fully enjoy the mild and sunny climate that makes this island famous. Walks along the water’s edge, refreshing swims, or simply relaxing under the palm trees: every moment is an invitation to unwind. For the more active, numerous activities await you: cultural excursions, water sports, or delicious discoveries of local flavors. This stay is the perfect time to recharge your batteries, relive the highlights of your Saharan trek, and prepare for new adventures.

The sun rises one last time over Djerba, bathing the streets of Houmt Souk in a soft golden light. After a peaceful breakfast, it’s time to pack your bags — though a part of you will surely remain here, somewhere between the desert and the sea. Your transfer to Djerba-Zarzis Airport awaits, punctuated by final glimpses of palm trees, whitewashed domes, and the endless blue sky. Assistance is provided for departure formalities, ensuring that this final moment unfolds in complete serenity. You leave Tunisia with sand in your pockets, images in your eyes… and perhaps a piece of the Sahara in your heart.